Factors influencing household grass pea consumption and implication for lathyrism in Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Owing to its unique nature and contribution to household food security, grass pea is among important legumes grown widely in many areas of the world, including Ethiopia. Nevertheless, it has severe consequences on human health (e.g. lathyrism) if consumed in large quantities over an extended period. In this context, this study analyzed the driving factors of household grass pea consumption and its implications on health, particularly the case of lathyrism. We used cross-section data collected from a random sample of 384 households in Northeast Ethiopia. To account for zero consumption of grass pea by households, Tobit model was applied. The results indicate that grass pea is an inferior food crop and its consumption decreases with an increase in household wealth, the number of livestock owned, and access to farm extension services. Moreover, households who perceive the threat of climate change tend to consume more grass pea compared to counterparts who do not perceive the threat. In contrast, household size and age of head are associated positively with grass pea consumption. The study indicates that lathyrism is a severe health problem in the study area, affecting about 3.6% of the sampled households. In light of these findings, federal to regional level government policymakers should target poverty reduction strategies to enhance the wellbeing of the local people and improve access to extension services. In particular, there is a need to increase awareness about lathyrism problem that arises from continued consumption of grass pea and encourage switching to substitute crops.

Keywords

• Grass pea consumption
• Lathyrism
• Households
• Tobit model
• Ethiopia